Description

"Reading it is almost like reading Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States, but for two-year olds--full of pictures and rhymes and a little cat to find on every page that will delight the curious toddler and parents alike."--Occupy Wall Street

A is for Activist is an ABC board book written and illustrated for the next generation of progressives: families who want their kids to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and everything else that activists believe in and fight for. The alliteration, rhyming, and vibrant illustrations make the book exciting for children, while the issues it brings up resonate with their parents' values of community, equality, and justice. This engaging little book carries huge messages as it inspires hope for the future, and calls children to action while teaching them a love for books.

About the Author

INNOSANTO NAGARA's new-wave board books encourage children to grow up with confidence in themselves, and to be proactive citizens who are passionate about causes from environmental issues to LGBTQ rights and civil rights. Nagara was born and raised in Indonesia, and moved to the US in 1988. After studying zoology and philosophy at UC Davis, he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he worked as a graphic designer for a range of social change organizations, before founding the Design Action Collective, a worker-owned cooperative design studio in Oakland, California. From the eBook edition.

Praise For…

“Reading it is almost like reading Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States, but for two-year olds—full of pictures and rhymes and a little cat to find on every page that will delight the curious toddler and parents alike.”—Occupy Wall Street

"Full of wit, beauty, and fun, we can think of no better way to learn the alphabet."—Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis, author of The Shock Doctrine / filmmaker

"Fun, funny, exquisitely illustrated and brilliantly written with a message that is sure to resonate with kids. May a thousand young activists bloom!"—Medea Benjamin, cofounder of Global Exchange and Code Pink

"I wish this beautiful and inspiring book was around when my daughter was young, but fortunately there were plenty of cool children around today who will devour what Inno is serving up!"—Dan Zanes, maker of 21st century all-ages music and Grammy Award winning album Catch that Train!

"The alliteration and rhymes have the rhythm and fun of standard ABC books, burrowing into little ears and prompting memorization and spontaneous recitation."—Yes! Magazine

"A is for Activist offers an opportunity for parents to explore their values with their children. At this time in history we need books for children that use words like justice, ally, freedom, and advocate."—Rona Renner, RN, parent educator, and host of Childhood Matters radio show

"A is for Activist speaks to the possibilities of change, of proactive parenting, of creating community, and of celebrating our collective histories. This book is rad!"—Tomas Moniz, writer/editor rad dad zine, a zine on radical parenting

"When I bring books into our home, I want beautiful books that are going to remain relevant and meaningful and reflect respect for children and a vision of a sound world. A is for Activist was an easy choice!" - Maya Christina Gonzalez, author and illustrator of Mi Colores, Mi Mundo (2007 Pura Belpré Honor Award) and Yo sé que el río me ama; illustrator of Jitomates Risuenos, Nana, Que sorpresa, Animalario del Iguazu, and many more.

"A de Activista is an important tool that re-enforces core educational standards and will inspire children towards civic participation in their communities and throughout the world!" - Jose-Luis Orozco, bilingual educator, children's book writer and musician

"It's essential that children know that the world we live in isn't perfect and that we all have the ability to change it, to make it better for everyone. The organizer strives to make the world more just." - Pablo Alvarado, Executive Director, National Day Laborer Organizing Project

"I love that there is now a book I can share with my granddaughters that teaches a new vocabulary about human and social justice values--and workers rights!" - Maria Elena Durazo, Director, AFL-CIO, Los Angeles

"A de ActivistaA is for absolutely wonderful!B is for beautiful illustrations.C is for creative use of labor philosophy.D is for promoting Democracy.E is for Excellent.

I am a classroom teacher and a labor activist. I would use this book in my elementary or Beginning Spanish classes. It captures the essence of the labor movement thru its leaders and its causes. This is NOT a mundane, rote memorization academic book. This book makes me want to jump and sing and color and paint and learn more about the characters in the book. I love to read aloud and this is the perfect book for it.

In the era of integration of Common Core into all facets of education, I see so much a teacher can do with this book. It interfaces reading and literacy with art and history and political science. It can be used in all grade levels. But most of all it is just plain fun to read.

B is for BUY this book!!" - NM State Representative Christine Trujillo